Philip debuts internationally in TCS Sydney Marathon

He has said he was done with marathons before, but somehow, he keeps coming back—just like an addiction—he chases that runner’s high.

Avid runner Philip Joseph Santos found himself Down Under in Sydney, Australia, running the TCS Sydney Marathon and representing the CNMI internationally for the first time on Sunday, Aug. 30. He finished with a time of 4:50:04, completing his first World Marathon Major and first international marathon.

Two runners from Saipan and Run Saipan originally received spots, but after they were unable to make the trip, he became the lone runner representing Run Saipan and the CNMI. He wore this year’s Run Saipan membership shirt throughout the race.

“The feeling of accomplishment that I get when completing a marathon partnered with the runners’ high is what makes me keep coming back even though my legs are usually dead after,” he said.

Sydney’s cooler winter weather was also a welcome change from racing in Saipan, where races typically start around 4am to beat the heat. The course itself was another story.

“Saipan’s elevation profile is easier than Sydney’s, which was hills everywhere!!” he said.

The support along the course made a difference. He said he especially enjoyed hearing spectators recognize his shirt and shout, “Go Saipan!” or “Go Run Saipan!”—even when they didn’t quite pronounce Saipan correctly.

Despite the challenge, he finished and once again found himself asking the same question he’s asked after every marathon: Is this really the last one?

“It’s funny because I always say I’m never running another marathon and yet I find myself signing up again the next year,” he said. “Tokyo Marathon lottery results come out soon—so fingers crossed for this one.”

He said he prefers the marathon distance because it allows him to settle into a pace and enjoy the scenery rather than going all-out like in a 5K.

After running several marathons in Saipan, he began entering lotteries for the World Marathon Majors. Since he wasn’t fast enough to qualify by time, the lottery was his best shot. He applied for Sydney after learning it offered some of the better odds and was surprised when his credit card was charged for the registration fee in October 2025.

He also credits Run Saipan for helping him get this far. What started with barely finishing 5Ks eventually grew into 10Ks, half marathons and now a World Major Marathon.

“I never would have imagined running a World Major Marathon,” he said. “My progress as a runner… is owed to this incredible group who’s always pushed me to become a better runner.”

Although he traveled to Sydney alone, he said the support from family, friends, his pastor and the Run Saipan community made him feel anything but alone. “When I was having a hard time or struggling during the race, I would open my phone and read through the messages. It was like having the CNMI with me from across the ocean.”